13 Country Roads In Alaska That Are Pure Bliss In The Fall
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Courtney
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Only in Alaska can a major highway actually double as a country road. With a state so vast in size yet so largely undeveloped and uninhabited, you have to drive for miles upon miles before you’ll ever reach any form of civilization. Fall is the best time to load up the family or a group of friends and set out on the wide open road. Enjoy minimal traffic since the tourists have all left and an endless sea of fall foliage in the distance. You’ll fall in love with these 13 country roads in Alaska that are pure bliss this season.
22 miles climbing up 4,000 feet in elevation will get you to a place like you've never experienced before in your life. The feeling that comes over you when you are nestled in these towering mountains is so incredible, it will give you the chills. There is no place in the world quite like what you'll experience on Hatcher Pass road.
If you're lucky enough to get chosen for the road lottery in Denali National Park & Preserve, you'll have a one way ticket to the most unbelievable fall foliage show in all of the last frontier. There is simply NOTHING in the world like what you'll see inside this fascinating three million acre park during the short fall season in Alaska.
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Just under nine miles on this road will come along with incredible views of fall foliage throughout the entire route. You'll also be rewarded with incredible views of mountains and Exit Glacier in the Kenai Fjords National Park along the way.
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Climb elevation through this winding road that will ultimately lead you to the turquoise blue water at Eklutna Lake. You'll feel like you are going through a tunnel of fall foliage as both sides of the road are lined with towering trees from start to finish.
This 18 mile long road is filled with so many incredible things to do and see. Enjoy spotting wildlife along the way and pulling over to enjoy epic overlooks. The fall foliage with completely blow you away.
Head from Anchorage down to Girdwood on this breathtaking scenic drive. Turn down towards Portage Valley heading to Whittier and enjoy a more "country" feel with less traffic and endless glaciers in the distance.
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Climb deep into the mountains with views of fall foliage out every corner along the way. Just under 10 miles will lead you to a spot where you can get out and continue a nice hike into the magical colors of fall or you can enjoy views overlooking the city, inlet and endless mountains in the distance.
This long highway (which is actually a country road at the exact same time) was constructed during World War II for the purpose of connecting the US in Alaska through Canada. Miles upon miles of remote road come along with endless views of fall foliage. You won't have to worry about falling asleep at the wheel because your eyeballs will be rewarded with spectacular colors throughout the entire drive.
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Fairbanks is such a beautiful place, no matter what time of year it is. But in the fall, it is particularly special. Hop on Route 3 and make your way to this glorious overlook. You'll be able to feast your eyes on hundreds of acres of pure fall foliage bliss with stunning mountain and river views as far as your eyes can see.
Alaska's state capital of Juneau is such a wonderful, isolated place. This specific trail leading into the Tongass National Forest is one of the most enchanting places to take in a full dose of the seasonal colors.
Once you hit Palmer heading towards Glennallen, that is when the real "country" part of this road kicks in. Enjoy minimal traffic with endless views of fall foliage in the distance. It's hard not to fall in love with the drive.
These 135 miles connecting Paxson to Cantwell are filled with endless views of the season's most incredible fall foliage. On a clear day, you'll likely even see Denali shining with the Alaska Range complimenting North America's largest mountain in the backdrop. This drive is so incredibly rewarding!
We've said it before and we'll say it again (over and over again) - only in Alaska is a highway actually considered a "country road" at the same time. Some of the most secluded stretches on the Seward Highway will make you feel like you are a million miles away from it all. The views of fall foliage along the way are sure to blow you away from start to finish.
If thought those places were great, check out this natural phenomenon that happens just once a year in Alaska – it is so spectacular! Or for more great places to check out fall foliage in the last frontier, these 23 places will show you Alaska like you’ve never seen before.
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